Where's the baby by Pat Hutchins

Some time ago I talked about the wonderful Pat Hutchins. I mentioned this book as one of my favourites to read aloud.  The rhymes used in this book are just brilliant.

Here is part of the text:

"Where's the baby?" Grandma cried.
"In the garden," Mum replied
"Making a mess," said Hazel

What has this naughty baby been doing?

The mixture for the chocolate cake,
that Ma was just about to bake,
was tipped on the table and spilled on the floor.
There were sticky fingerprints on the door.
'He's a help in the kitchen,' said Grandma.

The baby is the star of this story but it is Grandma that I love. She sees only positive things in every disaster. Hazel is also a delight. She is the only voice of reason - she takes on a role as the adult in the room when all the actual adults seem oblivious to the truth of these catastrophes by Billy in every room in the house (except his own!).

Here is my favourite scene in Ma and Pa's bedroom:

The dress Ma was making was shorter than planned
"He can use scissors," said Grandma. "Isn't that grand!"
The scarf Ma was knitting for Uncle Fred
had been unravelled all over the bed.
Wool wiggled and curved across the floor,
and they follow the wiggles out of the door.

There are five books in the series about Billy and his long suffering sister Hazel.
1.  The Very Worst Monster
2.   Where's the Baby?
3.   Silly Billy
4.   Three Star Billy
5.   It's my Birthday

If you work with children and are looking for a book to read aloud look for Where's the Baby.  As you read watch out for the eggs in Grandma's basket along with the dreadful mess Billy leaves all over this house.  The white carpet covered in chimney soot is especially funny but might disturb some adults who like things kept clean!  Sadly Where's the Baby is out of print but you might find a copy in a well stocked library. I found my copy from a second hand book seller.  This is a ten out of ten book - hope you CAN find a copy to share with a child.